WorldSBK calendar: Argentina at risk, Turkey at the ready

The 2021 SBK calendar may still undergo further changes because, as we know, the global pandemic and related travel restrictions are in continuous evolution. The next round of the season will take place at Donington Park – a fantastic track – although getting to the UK already means navigating significant red tape.

As for Argentina though, the ‘costs’ column may ultimately put paid to the autumn round. The South American country is still in the thick of the emergency and to make such a long and complex trip represents a real challenge.

In the hope we’re wrong, we fear the production-derived bikes won’t visit San Juan de Villicum, for the second consecutive year. If this is the case, it will be a real pity, seeing as the location and track are just wonderful, and the fans as passionate as any.

Everyone back to Razga’s

But Dorna & partners are working to find a suitable alternative. Considering location, circuit selectivity, strategic positioning and local representatives, Istanbul has emerged, or rather re-emerged, having already hosted the Superbikes in the past.

The facility has even hosted the world championship and Formula 1 - several times - so it’s more than up to the task. And it’s home to the Turkish riders, not least Toprak Razgatlioglu. If they were to race there, Kenan Sofuoglu would surely be happy, as his last win in front of a home crowd gave new meaning to the word celebration.

Translated by Heather Watson

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